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Sorry I havent uploaded this earlier, I've had it for a few months but kind of forgot about it. I got demoralized when I started rigging it and realized my machine didn't like it when three or more parts moved at the same time, and were affected by other parts, so rigging will take a bit of time before it is done. I'd really like to animate it soon though, really looking forward to it.

Model is 100% complete, Rigging is 5% complete, specular map and shading is far from done.

I looked at pictures of WETA's miniature, I watched the film several times, I looked at most of the concept pictures - both new and old - and if some angle wasn't covered by the newer concept, maybe the old one had it. For the angles I had no concept to rely on, I simply improvised and tried to keep it in the same feel as the rest of the model. When reference was contradictory I just went with whatever looked better to me.

Well it looks great nonetheless! I myself am trying to learn the ways of the modeler. Most of my pieces are Abstract-looking to the aesthetic applications of simple model. But I really want to get into doing some scifi works of my own. I have everything down, references, sketches and even backstories. But I never know where to start when it comes to modeling.

Thank you! Ah yes, I looked around a bit on your stuff - I like the Animus Exile quite a lot. I'd be more than willing to give you a few pointers when it comes to modelling something like this, you can look at the WIPs too, maybe that'll give you some inspiration. WIP 1: [link] - blocked out the outlines of the exosuit, arms, legs and body are separate planar objects, wich I space to create somewhat of a rough guideline. I believe I started with the elbow joint and just kept going with whatever I felt like modelling on the arm. WIP 2: [link] - Arms almost done. WIP 3: [link] - Back vent, antennas, knee plate, head, neck. WIP 3.5: [link] - Some more blocking and plates, flaps and toes. WIP 4: [link] - Now we are getting somewhere! More plates, exhausts etc. WIP 5: [link] - Rough body blocking, started on legs. WIP 6: [link] - Detail work, more work on the legs. WIP 7: [link] - Body starts taking shape. Finished model: [link] - Ready for UV mapping and texturing. I hope this has shared a bit of my workflow at least - I guess everyone does it differently though. I usually start with odd places like joints so that you can build in two directions (or more depending) and so that you don't get caught up in "the face looks a bit off" scenarios. I usually save the face/mask/faceplate/cockpit until I'm satisfied with some other part first. If you have any questions I'll be more than happy to answer them as best I can.

I'd love to see how you do your abstract works, I've never tried anything like it. Do you use particles or just model planes and shape them as you want them? Maybe use dynamics? Soft bodies/cloth?

Is there even such a thing? I loved the film, it was very original, at least in terms of concept and the alien tech was really interesting. I admit the Arc Generator INSTAGIB is a bit overkill, but at least it doesn't blow people up ALL the time. It also blows someone's arm off so that the mech can stomp it flat. Thank you!

The chest does not open, it was one of the features I discarded quite quickly, since it'd take a lot of time and patience to make it just right, and it wouldn't be used in the animation I had in mind for it. There will be a 360 degree spin, but not until I get the shading (materials) the way I want them.